Truth be told, I'm not much of an outlet shopper, friends. I'm actually one of those rare, STUPID women who's willing to pay full price for things she loves. What can I say? I'm all about convenience. BUT when the peeps over at Tanger Outlets came a knockin' with a shopping CHALLENGE - oh, and a $500 gift card - I simply couldn't say no. I'm a Leo, you know, which means I live for a challenge. SO, off Sarah and I went, whisked away by car and driver to Riverhead, Long Island last Sunday and shop, we did - at Tanger Outlet stores like Converse, Lane Bryant, UGG, Barney's New York, Saks Off Fifth, Banana Republic, J. Crew and so many more...We also ate Auntie Anne's pretzels, but I digress.
Along the way, we learned a few lessons on outlet shopping:
- Come with your curiosity, not a shopping list. It's impossible to predict what you'll find at an outlet center like Tanger, so keep your eyes open and enjoy the discovery process.
- Pay careful attention to quality. Most mass retailers - i.e. J. Crew, Gap, Coach, Banana Republic and many others - produce dedicated factory merchandise, and in some cases, the quality is nothing short of tragic. Don't be seduced by a brand name you trust - make sure that the merchandise they've put their label on is what you've come to expect.
- Wear sensible shoes. I'm not kidding. Of course, MY idea of "sensible" is likely far, far away (see above) from the AVERAGE woman's idea of "sensible", but either way, shopping the outlets can be EXHAUSTING, so wear something comfy and warm - layers are a must in cold weather as most outlet centers are outdoors.
- Last but not least, if you see something you love, snag it - you'll probably be too tired to swing back around for it at the end of the day!
So, what did I buy with my $500 gift card? (all prices with tax):
- Kate Spade Blackberry Pouch: $13.04 (I know it's EMBARRASSING. But yes, I have a Blackberry. It's for work. My J-O-B. No judgement allowed.)
- Theory Jufina Turtleneck Sweater: $230.83 (Half price!)
- J. Crew W-Pieced Buckle Belt, Stripe Painter Scoopneck Tee, Couplet Dress: $94.46 (total; all Factory-specific product)
- Saks Off Fifth: Two large NEST Candles, Green Saks Fifth Avenue Cashmere Ombre Scarf: $116.81 (total)
Remaining Gift Card Balance? $44.86!
I'm curious! What would YOU snag with a $150 gift card to Tanger Outlets? This isn't just speculation, peeps - leave a comment here and Like the Tanger Outlets Facebook Page for a chance to win just that! I'll choose three comments at random next Friday, December 16 at Noon!
Disclosure: Tanger Outlets sponsored my shopping trip last week, and graciously provided gift cards for this giveaway.
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